Hello, fellow makers! As a tailor, I’ve spent countless hours sewing. But some of my most rewarding projects have been for the little ones in my life, like my granddaughter, Josie. When she was small, we tried so many store-bought bibs, and they all promised the same thing: to keep her dry. And one by one, they all failed. Milk and juice would soak right through, leaving her with a wet, chilly shirt.
I knew there had to be a better way. So, I went to my sewing room and did some experimenting. I figured out the secret to a truly waterproof bib that is also soft, comfy, and even reversible!
Today, I’m going to share that secret with you. Forget those flimsy bibs that don’t work. I’ll walk you through how to make a waterproof baby bib that is absolutely fail-proof. It’s a simple project, and the result is a beautiful bib you can rely on.
The Secret to a Truly Waterproof Bib
You might think that using one layer of waterproof fabric is enough. I tried that first! The problem is that liquid often spreads to the edges and then seeps onto the baby’s clothes. The real magic happens when you combine two different materials.
The perfect combination is a layer of polyurethane laminate (often called PUL) and a layer of polypropylene. The PUL fabric is the main waterproof barrier. The polypropylene is a special non-woven fabric that is moisture-resistant and breathable. When you put them together, they create a double barrier that stops leaks for good.
Here’s a quick look at why this combination works so well.
| Material | Its Special Job in the Bib | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) | Acts as the primary waterproof shield. | It’s flexible, durable, and designed to stop liquid completely. |
| Polypropylene | Works as a moisture-resistant backup layer. | It stops any moisture that might seep to the edges and is very breathable. |
| Cotton Fabric | Provides the soft, pretty outer layers. | It’s gentle on a baby’s skin and comes in endless cute patterns. |
Together, these layers create a bib that is tough on messes but soft on your baby.
Gathering Your Sewing Supplies
Before we start, let’s get all our tools and materials ready. Having everything in one place makes the sewing process smooth and fun. You don’t need anything too fancy for this project.
For your materials, you will need two different pieces of pretty cotton fabric for the reversible sides. You’ll also need your two inner layers: the PUL fabric and the polypropylene. For the comfy neckline, a small piece of stretchy rib knit fabric works wonders. And of course, you’ll need some thread that matches your fabric.
For tools, you’ll need your trusty sewing machine, a good pair of scissors, and some pins or sewing clips. You will also need a bib pattern to trace. You can find many free ones online or create your own simple shape. Finally, you’ll need a way to close the bib. I love using KAM snaps, but Velcro or a simple button works great, too.
How to Make a Waterproof Baby Bib, Step by Step
Ready to start sewing? We’ll take it one simple step at a time. Just follow along, and you’ll have a beautiful bib finished in no time.
Step 1: Layer and Cut Your Fabrics
First, we need to create our fabric sandwich. This is the most important step for getting the layers in the right order. Lay your fabrics down on a flat surface in this exact order:
- Bottom Layer: The PUL (laminate) fabric, with the shiny side facing up.
- Second Layer: Your first pretty cotton fabric, with the right side (the pretty side) facing up.
- Third Layer: Your second pretty cotton fabric, with the right side facing down.
- Top Layer: The polypropylene fabric.
Once your four layers are stacked perfectly, pin them together. Be sure to only place pins around the very edges of the fabric. We don’t want to poke any holes in the middle of our waterproof layers!
Now, place your bib pattern on top of the polypropylene and trace around it with a fabric marker or pencil. On one of the straight side edges, make two marks about three inches apart. This will be the opening we use to turn the bib right-side out later, so don’t sew between those marks.
Step 2: Sew the Main Body of the Bib
Take your layered fabric to your sewing machine. Using a simple straight stitch, sew all the way around the line you traced. Remember to leave the entire neck area open, and do not sew the three-inch gap you marked on the side.
After you’re done sewing, it’s time to cut. Trim the fabric around your stitch line, leaving about a quarter of an inch of extra fabric. When you get to the neck, cut directly on the line you traced. This will leave the raw edges of the fabric exposed at the neck, which is exactly what we want.
Step 3: Add the Comfy Rib Knit Neckband
This is the part that makes the bib so comfortable for the baby. We are going to add a soft, stretchy neckband. Cut a piece of your rib knit fabric that is about nine inches long and one-and-a-half inches wide.
First, turn your bib right-side out through the opening on the side. Now, we will attach the neckband to just one side of the bib. Pin the edge of the rib knit along the neck curve of one of the pretty cotton fabrics and its matching waterproof layer.
Take it to your sewing machine and sew the rib knit on, stretching it just a little bit as you go. This slight stretch helps the neckline curve nicely.
Next, we attach the other side. Fold the bib so the other side’s raw neck edge meets the free edge of the rib knit you just sewed. Tuck it in neatly and pin it in place. Sew this second side to the rib knit. This technique encloses all the raw edges inside the neckband for a clean, professional finish.
Step 4: Topstitch for a Professional Finish
You’re almost done! Turn your bib right-side out one last time. Tuck the raw edges of the side opening inward and give the whole bib a good press with an iron.
Now, we will topstitch. This means sewing a line of stitches close to the edge all the way around the bib. This closes the opening on the side and gives your bib a beautiful, finished look. Sew around the main body and also around both edges of the neckband.
A quick expert tip: Sometimes, the PUL fabric can make your needle skip stitches. If this happens, try using a special needle, like a titanium or a microtex needle. It makes a big difference!
Step 5: Add Your Fastener
The very last step is adding a fastener. I like to use KAM snaps because they are secure and easy to use. Use an awl or a pointy tool to poke a hole through the straps of the bib, and then attach your snaps following the tool’s instructions. If you don’t have a snap press, you can easily sew on a piece of Velcro or add a button and a buttonhole instead.
FAQs About Making a Baby Bib
How do you make a homemade bib?
Making a bib is easy. You first cut your fabric layers. Use a simple bib pattern. Sew the layers together. Leave a small opening. Turn the bib right-side out. Then you sew it closed. Finally, you add a snap or Velcro.
What material are baby bibs made of?
Baby bibs use soft fabrics. The outer part is usually cotton. Terry cloth is also a great choice. It is very absorbent. Many bibs have a special waterproof layer inside. This keeps the baby dry.
What fabric is used to make waterproof bibs?
A special fabric makes bibs waterproof. It is often called PUL. PUL has a thin plastic coating. This layer stops all liquid. Another good fabric is polypropylene. It helps stop leaks at the edges.
What are waterproof bibs made of?
Waterproof bibs are made of layers. The outside is soft cotton fabric. The inside has a waterproof material. This material is usually PUL. The best bibs use two different waterproof layers. This gives extra protection.
What does a bib do?
A bib protects a baby’s clothes. It keeps their shirt from getting messy. Bibs catch food spills and drool. This helps keep the baby clean and dry during meals. They make cleanup much easier for parents.
A Beautiful Bib That Actually Works!
And there you have it! You now know how to make a waterproof baby bib that is truly amazing. It’s reversible, so you get two cute styles in one. The neckband is soft and stretchy, so it’s comfortable for the baby. Most importantly, it is completely waterproof, so you can finally say goodbye to wet shirts and soggy messes.
This project is perfect for using up small pieces of your favorite fabrics, and it makes a wonderful handmade gift for any new parent.
What fabric patterns are you excited to use for your new bib? Let me know in the comments below